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Happy New Year! As we begin 2018, it’s time for our annual Top Washington Wineries List. We have returned to our original list of 50, after it climbed up to 65 wineries last year. Why? As time goes on, our palates change, and our wine experiences become more focused. In addition, in 2017 we visited Walla Walla again for the first time in a few years, which shone the light on some new favorites.Continue reading →

Happy New Year! As we begin 2017, it’s time for our annual Top Washington Wineries List. Why 65 wineries? The list grew to 65 from 60 last year, and from 50 the year before, as we were introduced to new wines or new wine experiences.

These people might be the winemakers or the winery owners; in some cases, they are the hard-working staff in a tasting room who went out of their way to make us feel welcome or the amazing workers in the vineyards where it all begins.

As the new year begins, we want to reflect on the wineries in Washington state that made our list of Top 60 Washington Wineries.

The way to get on our list is fairly simple; we only have two criteria: wineries must offer good juice and good people who provide an excellent wine experience. Perhaps we had fun or learned something in a tasting room or at a major wine event such as Taste Washington, Taste of Tulalip or Seattle Wine and Food Experience. Perhaps someone from the winery gave us a call, or sent us a personal note or samples. Or perhaps we were invited to an incredible winery party.

These people might be the winemakers or the winery owners; in some cases, they are the hard-working staff in a tasting room who went out of their way to make us feel welcome or the amazing workers in the vineyards where it all begins.

What can we say about Quilceda Creek 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, a Washington state wine that received 99 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate? A wine that is recognized in every fine restaurant we have visited in the U.S., Canada and parts of Europe? A wine that in four previous vintages won 100 points, only one of five wines in the world to earn consecutive 100-point scores?

No words can describe this wine adequately. Nonetheless, here are our thoughts.

First, this wine should be put in the cellar for a few years. Forget about it.

We were too impatient to keep our hands off. Dave’s birthday was upon us and we wanted to celebrate in style.

Thankfully, we knew we had to decant. The bottle was opened eight hours before pouring, and then sat in the glass for another 30 minutes.

And then we had our first sip. Wow. It was an incredible combination of luscious and muscular, intense, expressive, complex, a deep, dark ruby red color, with aromas of black fruits and licorice, and velvety flavors of chocolate and berries.

Winemaker Paul Golitzin describes this wine as “graced with layers of blackberry, plum and cassis fruit with complex floral nuances of violets, star anise, dark chocolate and Asian spices. The wine has an amazing texture and depth while maintaining great purity, elegance, and focus. Anticipated Maturity: 2015-2029.”

According to the Wine Advocate: “This line up was one of the highlights of my trip through Washington and without a doubt, this awesome estate, which is run by Paul and Alex Golitzin, is producing some of the top Cabernet Sauvignon blends in the state, and I would venture, the world. While all of the wines are incredibly age-worthy, the tannins are so well managed and the textures so polished, they dish out immense pleasure even in their youth.”

Our friend and Washington state wine expert Sean Sullivangave us the best advice on Facebook: “Don’t be afraid to have a glass or two and let it sit over night if it’s still locked up! Always good to be patient.”

We heeded Sean’s words and did just that. We also put our other bottles away in the cellar for special occasions in a few years, allowing the wine to evolve over time.

So we have one word of advice, if you find yourselves with one of these beautiful bottles and little patience, like we had: